FTAA: Impact to Downtown Miami

Will downtown workers and visitors have full access to parking?

Median parking on Biscayne Boulevard, or City Lot #19 (Biscayne Boulevard between N.E. 5 and S.E. 1 Streets), will most likely be closed depending on crowd size. The surface lots at Dupont Plaza and the Dupont Plaza Hotel garage will be closed. Most other parking facilities will be open to the public.

However, workers and visitors are advised to check with the individual parking facility that they routinely park at because some facilities may be pre-sold or full. It is not the intention of the Miami Parking Authority to close any other parking facilities during the conference. Heavy traffic is expected in and out of the perimeter area.

Will service areas adjacent to and within the event district be impacted? If so, how?

Yes, certain areas will require credentials for entry. However, access will not be denied if someone has a legitimate reason for being there. Traffic detours have been established and will be implemented based upon crowd size and movement. This will impact the downtown community as well as surrounding neighborhoods.

What zones should experience the greatest traffic and security impacts? When?

The downtown area in general will be impacted, particularly the zone surrounding the Dupont Plaza, the Hyatt and the Inter-Continental Hotel, including street closures, detours and traffic delays. Security will be extremely tight in all areas throughout the conference. Other areas may be impacted because of disruption of traffic flow.

What are the latest estimates of the number of people expected?

The estimated number of Americas Business Forum and Ministerial Meeting attendees is approximately 1,000. However, approximately 50,000 people are expected to participate in demonstrations at various locations in the downtown Miami area.

What insights and guidance can you give to property owners, building managers and business owners within or near the event?

You should plan to conduct business as usual. However, remember that a good number of people will be demonstrating during the events. The majority of these protesters will be engaged in peaceful demonstrations.

To minimize business disruptions we advise you to:·

• Be alert
• Be on the lookout
• Pay close attention to news media reports
• If you see any unusual activity, please report it to the police
• Be prepared to secure your store if necessary

To minimize business disruptions we advise you to: ~ Be alert.

Will you have anyone on the streets ready to assist people with questions?

The City of Miami and Miami-Dade Community Relations Boards will have volunteers wearing bright blue t-shirts that read "Goodwill Ambassador." These individuals have volunteered to greet and assist residents and visitors with directions, answer questions, and offer guidance. Please feel free to approach them with your concerns or questions.

Transportation

Where should I call for Metrorail, Metromover or Metrobus information?

Call Miami-Dade Transit Customer Services at 305-770-313,1 Weekdays 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Weekends, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Residents living south of SW 216 Street should call 305-891-3131. Also visit the transit website at www.miamidade.gov/transit

Will public transit operate regular service during the FTAA events?

Miami-Dade Transit will operate regular Metrobus service during the FTAA events. However, routes serving downtown Miami may be detoured. Information will be provided to passengers at affected bus stops indicating where temporary stops will be located. Passengers can also receive transit information by calling Miami-Dade Transit Customer Services, (305) 770-3131. Residents living south of SW 216 Street should call (305) 891-3131. You can also visit the transit website at www.miamidade.gov/transit

The Metrorail
Earlington Heights station will be close Nov. 17 - Nov. 21. Shuttle service will be provided from Earlington Heights to the Brownsville station. All other Metrorail stations will remain open and operating regularly scheduled 24-hour service during the event.

Metromover
The inner loop will operate 24 hours, and outer loop service to Brickell and Omni will operate until 12:30 a.m. Bayfront Park and Riverwalk stations will be closed.

If Bayfront and Riverwalk Stations are closed, where should I exit?

Exit at First Street Metromover station (225 NE 1St First Street) or Knight Center Metromover station (100 SE 2nd Street) located within four blocks.

If I need to travel to one of the stations on the Omni Loop how do I get there?

Board an inner loop car and transfer to the outer loop at College Bayside, First Street. Board an outer loop car at any Metromover station except Miami Avenue Station, which is only on the inner loop.

If I need to travel to one of the stations on the Brickell Loop how do I get there?

Board an inner loop vehicle, and transfer to the outer loop at Government Center Metrorail station. Board an outer loop car at any Metromover station.

Source: http://www.miamiftaa2003.com